Source: Temple Street/Vimeo

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON was officially kicked of this week at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Brave Izzy O’Connell from Cork switched on the hospital’s Christmas lights with the help of Santa Claus, with many more of the hospital’s patients and families looking on.

Izzy, age 6, has spent three months in Temple Street this year following the removal of a brain tumour.

Christmas in hospital

Many children sadly won’t get to go home this Christmas, with almost 400 children being cared for in the hospital last Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

It is hoped that the lights and the festive cheer that Santa brings will keep the magic of Christmas alive for the young patients.

“This Christmas our nurses and doctors will be busy caring for the babies and children who are too ill or weak to make it home and we want to help bring the magic of Christmas to Temple Street,” said Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of Fundraising.

Speaking at the switch-on Izzy said:

I love Temple Street and I don’t mind coming to the hospital for my check-ups because I love getting to see everyone! It was so much fun switching on the lights with Santa. The hospital looks really pretty, and I think all the children in Temple Street this Christmas will really like it. The lights will make them really happy!

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